Can You Do AC Preventative Maintenance Yourself? 

September 7, 2025

Is it true that you can do preventative maintenance yourself? Here are some simple tips from DEEPCHILL, your trusted air conditioning Gold Coast service. 

5 easy ways to do AC preventative maintenance yourself

You can actually protect your AC by doing these simple preventative tips. To apply these tips, first, turn off your AC to keep safe. 

Remove debris

Take off the fan cover on the outside unit. Use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen the screws, then lift the cover off. Use your hand or a wet/dry vacuum, clear out leaves and debris inside.

Clean the fins to do preventative maintenance for your AC

Take off the outside covers and use a vacuum with a brush to clear away dirt. Then use a garden hose with gentle water pressure to spray the fins from the inside out, washing away any dirt stuck between them. Never use a pressure washer because it can damage the fins.

If the fins are very dirty, you can buy a fin cleaning spray at a home improvement store. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product when you.

Clean area around the unit

After cleaning, put the fan cover back on. Clear leaves and debris around the unit, and trim plants at least two feet away so air can flow easily. In winter, you can cover just the top of the unit with plywood or plastic to stop debris from falling in. Don’t cover the sides because that can trap moisture and cause rust or attract pests. Always remove the cover before you turn the unit back on when you.

Clean the evaporator drain line

Clean the evaporator drain to keep water flowing and prevent clogs. Over time, mold can block the line and cause leaks or stop your AC from cooling.

Find the drain line, usually a small PVC pipe coming from the indoor unit and follow it to where it drains. Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out any buildup. Remove the vacuum’s paper filter first, then seal the hose to the pipe with duct tape or a rag. Run the vacuum for a few minutes to clear it.

Change the blower filter to do AC preventative maintenance

Change the air filter at least twice a year, once before heating season and once before cooling season. If your area is very dusty, do it more often. Always use a filter with the same airflow rating. Avoid HEPA or “air purifying” filters, as they can block airflow and cause problems.

Find the filter slot near the large return duct on your indoor unit. Open the cover (you may need a screwdriver), take out the old filter and put in the new one with the arrows pointing the right way. Then close the cover.

Homeowner showing how to do preventative maintenance by changing air filter, improving efficiency of air conditioning Gold Coast systems.

What to do when you need full service and deeper cleaning? 

Besides these simple tips, other parts are best left to the experts. Tasks like checking refrigerant levels, deep coil cleaning or making sure the ducts are clear require special tools and training.

At DEEPCHILL, we have many years of experience in preventative maintenance. This helps extend your AC’s lifespan and saves you money by avoiding costly breakdowns. We’ve been providing these services for over 40 years. Our technicians attend brand training once or twice a year.

So how can we give your AC a longer life?

  • Test the system in both heating and cooling modes to verify proper operation before commencing service
  • Thoroughly clean all return air grills to remove dust and debris
  • Remove, pressure-wash and dry all return air filters to ensure optimal air quality
  • Apply antibacterial treatment to all ducted and split system filters and coils to maintain hygiene

DEEPCHILL, your trusted air conditioning Gold Coast service, makes sure your system runs smoothly, stays efficient and lasts longer. Contact us now to get the word to get the work do AC preventative maintenance easier.

Category: Tips & Tricks

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